West explosion: April 17, 2013

Fertilizer plant explosion in West near Waco on Wednesday, April 17, 2013.

By Compiled by Joe Alexander

on April 22, 2013 7:55 PM

Photo: Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

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In this Instagram photo provided by Andy Bartee, a plume of smoke rises from a fertilizer plant fire in West, Texas on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco Wednesday night injured dozens of people and sent flames shooting high into the night sky, leaving the factory a smoldering ruin and causing major damage to surrounding buildings. (AP Photo/Andy Bartee) MANDATORY CREDIT: ANDY BARTEE

In this Instagram photo provided by Andy Bartee, a plume of smoke rises from a fertilizer plant fire in West, Texas on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. An explosion at a fertilizer plant near Waco Wednesday night

In this Instagram photo provided by Andy Bartee, a plume of smoke... Photo-4489356.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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Photo-4496587.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, of a fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, of a fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Edward A. Ornelas/Express-News

The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, of a fertilizer... Photo-4491356.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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In this Wednesday, April 17, 2013, photo provided by Joe Berti, a plume of smoke rises from a fertilizer plant fire near Waco, Texas. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said Thursday morning. (AP Photo/Joe Berti) less

In this Wednesday, April 17, 2013, photo provided by Joe Berti, a plume of smoke rises from a fertilizer plant fire near Waco, Texas. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people ... more

Little is left to the West Fertilizer plant as seen in an aerial view of the plant on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. less

Little is left to the West Fertilizer plant as seen in an aerial view of the plant on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and injured more ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

Little is left to the West Fertilizer plant as seen in an aerial... Photo-4493597.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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The remains of a home ,Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

The remains of a home ,Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Express-News

The remains of a home ,Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at... Photo-4508098.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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Scott Tacker (second from left) and his wife Jennifer Tacker get help from Jennifer's brother Will Matus (left) as they retrieve belongings, Sunday April 21, 2013, from their home that was damaged by an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. less

Scott Tacker (second from left) and his wife Jennifer Tacker get help from Jennifer's brother Will Matus (left) as they retrieve belongings, Sunday April 21, 2013, from their home that was damaged by an ... more

Pastor John Crowder, right, of First Baptist Church in West, holds service in a field because the church building is too damaged to worship in, on Sunday April 21, 2013. Crowder's house was totally distroyed by the explosion. less

Pastor John Crowder, right, of First Baptist Church in West, holds service in a field because the church building is too damaged to worship in, on Sunday April 21, 2013. Crowder's house was totally distroyed by ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, Express-News

Pastor John Crowder, right, of First Baptist Church in West, holds... Photo-4508067.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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Bishop Joe S. Vasquez speaks, Sunday April 21, 2013, during a mass at the Church of the Assumption after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Bishop Joe S. Vasquez speaks, Sunday April 21, 2013, during a mass at the Church of the Assumption after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

An unidentified injured member of the West VFD is over come with emotion during mass at the Church of the Assumption in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013.

An unidentified injured member of the West VFD is over come with emotion during mass at the Church of the Assumption in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

An unidentified injured member of the West VFD is over come with... Photo-4506916.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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An unidentified injured member of the West VFD is greeted by a church member as they pass the peace at Church of the Assumption in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013.

An unidentified injured member of the West VFD is greeted by a church member as they pass the peace at Church of the Assumption in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

An unidentified injured member of the West VFD is greeted by a... Photo-4506922.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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Jeff Clark (facing camera) comforts Dustin Matus, Sunday April 21, 2013, after a mass at the Church of the Assumption in West, Tx. Matus' father Jimmy Matus was killed in the explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening. less

Jeff Clark (facing camera) comforts Dustin Matus, Sunday April 21, 2013, after a mass at the Church of the Assumption in West, Tx. Matus' father Jimmy Matus was killed in the explosion at a fertilizer plant ... more

An unidentified family attends a worship service of First Baptist Church, whose building is too damaged to worship in, in a field used for parking during West Fest, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

An unidentified family attends a worship service of First Baptist Church, whose building is too damaged to worship in, in a field used for parking during West Fest, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

An unidentified family attends a worship service of First Baptist... Photo-4506921.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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Lisa Crowder, right, recieves a hug from Shelly Miller as the two attend an outdoor service held by First Baptist Church in West, whose building is too damaged to hold worship on Sunday April 21, 2013. Crowder and her husband, Pastor John Crowder lost their home to the explosion. less

Lisa Crowder, right, recieves a hug from Shelly Miller as the two attend an outdoor service held by First Baptist Church in West, whose building is too damaged to hold worship on Sunday April 21, 2013. Crowder ... more

Students at West Elementary School pet Moses, a trained Comfort Dog from Christ Lutheran Church in Cairo Nebraska. Students returned to school on Monday April 22, 2013 hoping to regain some normalcy in thier lives after West, TX experience a masive explosion last week. less

Students at West Elementary School pet Moses, a trained Comfort Dog from Christ Lutheran Church in Cairo Nebraska. Students returned to school on Monday April 22, 2013 hoping to regain some normalcy in thier ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

Students at West Elementary School pet Moses, a trained Comfort Dog... Photo-4512075.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, (left) of a fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

The smoldering remains, Thursday April 18, 2013, (left) of a fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

This aerial photo shows a local school, at rear, and an apartment complex, at middle right, near a fertilizer plant explosion site Thursday, April 18, 2013, in Near West, Texas. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. The explosion that struck around 8 p.m. Wednesday, sent flames shooting into the night sky and rained burning embers and debris down on shocked and frightened residents. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

This aerial photo shows a local school, at rear, and an apartment complex, at middle right, near a fertilizer plant explosion site Thursday, April 18, 2013, in Near West, Texas. A massive explosion at the West ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

This aerial photo shows a local school, at rear, and an apartment... Photo-4491347.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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Members of West Volunteer Fire Department depart St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption after a service honoring the department's fallen firefighters in West, Texas on Friday, Apr. 19, 2013. Five of the department's firefighters lost their lives in the West Fertilizer explosion on Wednesday. less

Members of West Volunteer Fire Department depart St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption after a service honoring the department's fallen firefighters in West, Texas on Friday, Apr. 19, 2013. Five of the ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

Members of West Volunteer Fire Department depart St. Mary's... Photo-4500675.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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Members of West Volunteer Fire Department leave St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption after a service honoring the department's fallen firefighters in West, Texas on Friday, Apr. 19, 2013. Five of the department's firefighters lost their lives in the West Fertilizer explosion on Wednesday. less

Members of West Volunteer Fire Department leave St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption after a service honoring the department's fallen firefighters in West, Texas on Friday, Apr. 19, 2013. Five of the ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

Members of West Volunteer Fire Department leave St. Mary's... Photo-4500193.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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A ladder truck with flowers and a black ribbon outside the West Volunteer Fire Department headquarters, Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. The majority of those that died in the explosion were first responders. less

A ladder truck with flowers and a black ribbon outside the West Volunteer Fire Department headquarters, Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Express-News

A ladder truck with flowers and a black ribbon outside the West... Photo-4508089.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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This 2012 photo provided by the Uptmor family shows Buck Uptmor and his wife Arcey. Buck Uptmor was killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion. The massive explosion Wednesday night killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160. (AP Photo/Uptmor Family) less

This 2012 photo provided by the Uptmor family shows Buck Uptmor and his wife Arcey. Buck Uptmor was killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion. The massive explosion Wednesday night killed as many as ... more

Crane operators remove large sheets of metal at the site of the explosion in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Crane operators remove large sheets of metal at the site of the explosion in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, Express-News

Crane operators remove large sheets of metal at the site of the... Photo-4508062.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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Tamisha Boles, 26, gathers clothes, Sunday April 21, 2013, for her daughter McKayla, 7-months, from her home that was damaged by an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Tamisha Boles, 26, gathers clothes, Sunday April 21, 2013, for her daughter McKayla, 7-months, from her home that was damaged by an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Robert Boles, 35, picks up a high chair, Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. shattered windows in his home.

Robert Boles, 35, picks up a high chair, Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. shattered windows in his home.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Robert Boles, 35, picks up a high chair, Sunday April 21, 2013,... Photo-4507052.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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A mesage written on the dust covered window of a vehicle parked in front of the West Elementary School on Sunday, April 21, 2013.

A mesage written on the dust covered window of a vehicle parked in front of the West Elementary School on Sunday, April 21, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

A mesage written on the dust covered window of a vehicle parked in... Photo-4508020.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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Kyle Sinkule, 16, holds an American flag while riding in the bed of a pickup, Saturday April 20, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Kyle Sinkule, 16, holds an American flag while riding in the bed of a pickup, Saturday April 20, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Express-News

Kyle Sinkule, 16, holds an American flag while riding in the bed of... Photo-4503714.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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Pete and Jacki Arias along with their eight-year-old son, Sam, walk past the distribution center to pick up pet food to possibly feed their cat that remained in their home near the blast site. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home. They were hoping to gain access to the home to at least drop off the food for their cat. less

Pete and Jacki Arias along with their eight-year-old son, Sam, walk past the distribution center to pick up pet food to possibly feed their cat that remained in their home near the blast site. The Arias's home ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, Express-News

Pete and Jacki Arias along with their eight-year-old son, Sam, walk... Photo-4503702.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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Jacki Arias (second from left) receives a hug from a neighbor, Mindy (no last name given) while picking up pet food to possibly feed their cat that remained in their home near the blast site. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Jacki Arias (second from left) receives a hug from a neighbor, Mindy (no last name given) while picking up pet food to possibly feed their cat that remained in their home near the blast site. The Arias's home

Jacki Arias (second from left) receives a hug from a neighbor,... Photo-4503703.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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Photo: Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

Photo-4501266.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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A law enforcement officer talks to residents in their vehicles about the procedure to re-enter their homes near the blast site in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. After several days of keeping the area clear for search and rescue and other safety concerns, officials were finally beginning the process of allowing families to return to their affected homes. less

A law enforcement officer talks to residents in their vehicles about the procedure to re-enter their homes near the blast site in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. After several days of keeping the area ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

A law enforcement officer talks to residents in their vehicles... Photo-4502870.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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The scene of an explosion at a fertilizer plant, Saturday April 20, 2013, that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

The scene of an explosion at a fertilizer plant, Saturday April 20, 2013, that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

The scene of an explosion at a fertilizer plant, Saturday April 20,... Photo-4502608.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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Pete Arias is seen wearing a pink ribbon and a wrist band that states, "God is big enough" on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. The pink ribbon was put on at the distribution center in West, Texas to indicate an individual is picking up supplies. Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday night, he and his family have stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home. less

Pete Arias is seen wearing a pink ribbon and a wrist band that states, "God is big enough" on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. The pink ribbon was put on at the distribution center in West, Texas to indicate an ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

Pete Arias is seen wearing a pink ribbon and a wrist band that... Photo-4503338.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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Danae Benton of China Springs, near Houston, sorts shoes that were brought to the Westfest pavilion, which was quickly turned into a distribution center for the community.

Danae Benton of China Springs, near Houston, sorts shoes that were brought to the Westfest pavilion, which was quickly turned into a distribution center for the community.

Greg May Chevrolet used car manager Ronnie Owens wears a "God Bless West" t-shirt ,Friday April 19, 2013, that is being sold at the dealership after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. The money raised from the t-shirt is benefitting the West Independent School District. less

Greg May Chevrolet used car manager Ronnie Owens wears a "God Bless West" t-shirt ,Friday April 19, 2013, that is being sold at the dealership after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday ... more

Firefighter toss debris from an apartment during search and rescue operation after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. (AP Photo/LM Otero) less

Firefighter toss debris from an apartment during search and rescue operation after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the plant killed as many ... more

Photo: LM Otero, Associated Press

Firefighter toss debris from an apartment during search and rescue... Photo-4491351.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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Firefighters set a brace to hold up a sagging beam during a search and rescue operation at an apartment complex destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160, officials said overnight. The explosion that struck around 8 p.m. Wednesday, sent flames shooting into the night sky and rained burning embers and debris down on shocked and frightened residents. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) less

Firefighters set a brace to hold up a sagging beam during a search and rescue operation at an apartment complex destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2013. A ... more

Photo: LM Otero, Associated Press

Firefighters set a brace to hold up a sagging beam during a search... Photo-4491349.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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Baylor student Alissa Dawson volunteers by sorting out denim jeans at a distribution center to help those affected from the West Fertilizer explosion in West, Texas on Friday, Apr. 19, 2013.

Baylor student Alissa Dawson volunteers by sorting out denim jeans at a distribution center to help those affected from the West Fertilizer explosion in West, Texas on Friday, Apr. 19, 2013.

A local sheriff blocks Farm Road 2114 leading into West on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday night.

A local sheriff blocks Farm Road 2114 leading into West on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday night.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

A local sheriff blocks Farm Road 2114 leading into West on Thursday... Photo-4490333.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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A fire truck drives near Main Street on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West on Wednesday night.

A fire truck drives near Main Street on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West on Wednesday night.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

A fire truck drives near Main Street on Thursday morning, April... Photo-4490337.60857 - San Antonio Express-News

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First responders pay tribute, Saturday April 20, 2013, to fallen "brothers" killed in an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. as their remains are driven to Dallas.

First responders pay tribute, Saturday April 20, 2013, to fallen "brothers" killed in an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. as their remains are driven to Dallas.